The organisers of an NHS 70th anniversary march in Dundee have called on the health secretary to end a “cash crisis” in the service.

Local campaigners expect to lead a procession of hundreds of protesters and activists through the city on Saturday, culminating with a rally at Albert Square.

They will include NHS workers, trade unionists and politicians.

Stuart Fairweather, chairman of Dundee Trades Union Council (TUC), which is organising the event, said a “deluge of cuts” had hit communities and workers in “all areas of healthcare”.

“From deteriorating GP services to a shocking lack of mental health provision to the scandalous legacy of PFI/PPP costs which are draining tens of millions every year from the NHS, action is needed,” he said.

“There cannot be a business as usual attitude by the new cabinet secretary.”

Former social security minister Jeane Freeman replaced Dundee City East MSP Shona Robison as Health Secretary in a cabinet reshuffle last week.

Dundee TUC claimed there had been “huge” interest in the march with Police Scotland told to expect between 350 to 500 protesters.

Secretary Mike Arnott said: “This will be both a celebration of 70 years of the NHS and a call to help protect it, and create the type of service we all want to see.

“NHS Tayside is in the midst of a £200 million four-year programme of cuts. We are calling on the newly appointed Health Secretary to immediately provide the financial support needed to end this cuts programme once and for all.

“In this week of all weeks, such a step would mean much to all of us who need and rely on a fully-funded NHS.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are delivering record high, real terms funding to NHS Scotland, as well as an all-time high in staff numbers.

“NHS Tayside’s workforce has increased by 5% and we are legislating so the right staff with the right skills are in the right place.

“In 2018-19, the board will receive £13.7 million increased investment (an uplift of 1.9%) and a share of £175 million to support reform.

“Its budget has also increased in cash terms by £217.8 million (42.1%) from 2006‑07 to 2018‑19.

“We have also negotiated a new GP contract to stabilise income, reduce workload, and improve patient care.

“This is backed by £110 million this year, helping doctors spend more time with patients and less on bureaucracy.

“Our ambition is to increase GP numbers by at least 800 over 10 years to ensure a sustainable service that meets increasing demand.”

In the third and final part of our series, Michael Alexander speaks to politicians about how they handled the devastating closure of Michelin in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and asks whether there’s anything Dundee – now facing a similar plant closure in 2020 – can learn.

In the second of a special three-part series, Michael Alexander visits the former Michelin site in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and speaks to local traders about the impact the closure there is having on high street businesses.

In the first of a special three-part series following the announcement that the Dundee Michelin plant faces closure in 2020, Michael Alexander visited Ballymena in Northern Ireland to find out how the community there is coping with the recent closure of their Michelin factory which led to the loss of 840 highly skilled jobs.

Back in March Mary-Jane Duncan became the first ambassador for The Courier Menu Food and Drink Awards. Here, she tells Caroline Lindsay what the past few months have brought her and why everyone should consider entering the Menu Awards 2019.